Adjustable elevation post and insulator construction



Feb. 9,1943 I s. c M lLLER r 3 ADJUSTABLE ELEVATION POST AND INSULATOR CONSTRUCTION Fi1ed Dec. 12, 1940 2 shets sheet 1 INVENTOR. 614M054 GIN/445 /%A 47JTORNEY.

s. c. MILLER 2,310,803

Feb. 9, 1943;

ADJUSTABLE ELEVATION POST AX iD INSULATOR CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 12, 1940 INVENTOR. Jaw/0E4 C M/LLERY W6 A TTO/P/VEY' Patented Feb. 9, 1943 ADJUS INSULATOR Application December TABLE ELEVATION POST AND CONSTRUCTION Samuel C. Miller, New York, N. Y.

1940, Serial No. 369,798

6 Claims. (Cl. 248-50) This application contains subject matter divided from my application Serial No. 337,193, filed May 25, 1940, and is a continuation-in-part thereof.

This invention relates ing of luminous gaseous vices, such as the well known neon like.

More particularly, it relates to means for mounting such tubes on backing or base plates such as customarily used in luminous sign work, in which tubes of varioussizes, configurations and collars are assembled on such backings.

In mounting luminous tubes of the character mentioned on such backing plates, it is found that many contrivances for effecting such mounting are inconvenient and ineffective for the purpose because of the labor required in applying them, the lack of adjustability to the many varied contours of the tubes and their tendency to get out of adjustment after they are installed.

It is among the general objects of my invention to overcome the defects of previously known devices for mounting luminous gaseous electrical discharge tubes by the provision of an arrangement for this purpose that is simple, low in cost, effective in use, and convenient to install.

It is among the more particular objects of my invention to provide in a device for the mounting of luminous gaseous discharge tubes on a backing a construction permitting a wide range of adjustability, both laterally and in a direction away from the backing plate, whereby the spacing of the tube from the plate is determined.

It is further among the particular objects of my invention to provide in a device for mounting luminous gaseous discharge tubes on a backing an arrangement whereby a post on which the tube is seated is adjustably mounted in a socket which itself is adjustably mounted on a bracket positioned on the backing plate.

Among the more particular objects of my invention is also the provision of a construction whereby the spacing between a luminous tube and a backing plate may be conveniently controlled between wide limits without the necessity of breaking off portions of the post to which the luminous tube is attached, which breaking oif is frequently necessary with devices of this character as heretofore constructed.

It is also among the more particular objects of my invention to provide means for securing a mounting arrangement forluminous tubes to a backing plate, which means may be so associated in general to the mountelectrical discharge delights or the with a portion of said arrangement that it can be handled as a unit therewith.

It is still further an object of my invention to provide an elevation post assembly for luminous tubes which will minimize the visibility of metallic elements serving to mount the elevation post assembly upon sign frames or the like, involving a construction which may be simply and economically assembled and constructed.

To attain these objects and such further objects as may appear herein or be hereinafter pointed out, I make reference to the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof, in which:

Figure l is a perspective view showing one illustrative embodiment of my invention with a fragment of a luminousdischarge tube mounted in place;

Figure 2 is a thereof;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a detail elevational view of another embodiment of my invention showing a fragment of a luminous tube seated thereon;

Figure 4 is a front elevational view of a still further embodiment of my invention;

Figure 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a detail of Figure 4;

Figure '7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2 with another form of bracket;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure '7, turned in another position;

Figure 9 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of my invention;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view thereof;

Figure 11 is a section taken on' the line l|-'-ll of Figure 9; v

Figures 12, 13 and 14 respectively, are perspective views of a standard conventional type of post, a socket according to my invention adapted to receive said post and a bracket for use with said socket and post.

Making reference to the drawings, it will be observed that my assembly comprises a post P, a bracket member B and a socket member S. The post P may be of insulating material, preferably glass, comprising a shank l0 having a seat H, of general V-shaped character, well known in the art. To either side of the seat H, horns 12 are positioned. The seat ll serves to receive a luminous sign tube 13. When so positioned, wires M may be wrapped around the tube, en-

gage the circumferential slots 2| .which event the bracket I51 of which is formed with gaging the horns |2 to hold the luminous sign tube I3 in position.

The bracket B comprises a standard I5, made of wire or ilke material, one end whereof is bent angularly at I6 and terminates into a loop 1, providing an orifice |8 arranged to receive a screw l9 for attaching the bracket to a frame plate, wall or similar fixed construction.

The socket member S is preferably made from a sheet of spring brass by bending a sheet of such material into a generally S-shaped contour, one loop of the 8 being enlarged and forming a post P engaging section IS, the other loop being smaller and forming the bracket engaging section 20.

With the socket member S thus provided, the section 9 may be sleeved over the shank ID. The section 20 may be sleeved over the standard l5 of the bracket B. The shank I may be circular in cross-section and smooth-faced, in which event the section 9 is formed to give a friction fit, relying upon the resiliency of the metal from which the socket member S is formed to engage-the shank ID of the post P.

Likewise, the standard l may be circular and smooth, in which event the section 20 is formed to give a resilient and friction fit to hold the section 20 upon the standard I 5 in frictional engagement, relying upon the resiliency of the metal from which the socket member S is formed to provide this frictional engagement.

Additionally, I may provide the standard I5 with a series of indented, circumferentially formed slots 2|, in which event the socket member S at the section 20 has the metal thereof indented at 22, to provide a spur on the inner wall of the section 20, arranged to engage the indented slots 2| of the standard I5. Thus, the spur formed by the portion 22 may serve to ento increase the frictional engagement of the section 20 in relation to the standard I 5 at any predetermined portion along the length of the standard IS. The

slots 2| formed on the standard also serve as convenient locations at which the standard I 5 may be broken, should it be found that the standard I5 is of an unnecessarily extended length,

in connection with the adjustable position desired between the luminous tube 3 and the frame plate to which the bracket B is attached.

In Figure 3 I have illustrated a post P, having a shank 10a, of general circular cross-section, having along its length a series of circumferential slots 2|a. In connection with a post having these circumferential slots, I find provide the socket S with a detent 22a, thereby projecting a spur serving to engage the circumferential slots 2|a formed on the shank Illa and thereby serving to increase the frictional engagement between th socket and the shank Illa of the post.

I may find it desirable to form in the sections and 20, detents in each of the sections, in B may be of the form illustrated in Figure 1, which has the circumferential grooves 2| previously described. Thus, it willbe apparent that a post having circumferential slot 2|a may be employed, as well as using a bracket B, the standard of which is formed with circumferential slots 2| in which event the sections I9 and both may be formed with detents 22a and 22, respectively.

.Where the posts having circumferential grooves 2|a and where brackets, the standard it desirable to circumferential 7 between the socket S and a smooth ing them into grooves 2|, are employed, it will be understood that a socket member may be employed in which the sections l9 and 20 need not have the detents previously described, and may be smooth walled on the interior, relying upon the resiliency of the material from which the socket S is formed, in connection with the protuberances on the post and standard, respectively, to augment the frictional engagement longitudinally of the post and standard, respectively.

In Figures 4, 5 and 6 I have illustrated another embodiment of my invention.

In this construction a post P is formed with a screw threaded shank lflb. This may be associated with a bracket B as illustrated in Figure 3, by a socket member S. The socket member S i formed from a sheet of spring brass, into generally cylindrical shape, forming a post engaging section I911. One edge 23 terminates into a pair of loops 24, spaced to each edge of the end 23, outlining orifices 25 adapted to receive the standard |5a of the bracket B. The opposite edge 26 cf the section |9a has formed medially thereof a looped portion 21, defining an orifice 28, the diameter of which is such as to receive the standard |5a.

Normally, the socket member S is distended so a readily to envelop the shank lflb of the post. When placed in the enveloping position, the edges 23 and 26 are then squeezedtoward each other, to position the loop 21 in alignment with the loops 24, thereby bringing the orifices 25 and 28 in alignment. In this position, the standard l5a, directed through the orifices 25 and 28, thereby bring the section |9a into frictional engagement with the shank lb. The normally distended position of the socket S also serves to cause frictional engagement of the loops 24 and 21 upon the standard l5a, by reason of the oppositely directed tension which the loops 24-24 exert in relation to the loop 21.

While the assembly just described may be employed with a smooth walled post, as illustrated in Figure 10, to achieve a frictional engagement walled post, I may find it convenient, where employing a post P with a crew threaded shank lob, to indent the section |9a with detents 22b, the depth of which detents is such as to form spurs on the interior surface of the section |9a, and the direction of which is such as to form a fragmental part of a screw thread complementary to the screw threaded portion lb of the post P, shown in Figure 4.

Where I use a construction comprising a socket member such as S, illustrated in Figure 6, longitudinal adjustment of this member along the length of the shank of a post P may be obtained by a sliding movement, especially where the shank is smooth.

Where the shank of the post P is formed with a screw-threaded portion lob, quick location may be effected when the socket member is in the distended position anywhere along the length of the shank of the post.

After aligning the loops 24 and 21 and lockposition by passage of the standard |5a therethrough, as described, further longitudinal adjustment of the post to the socket member S may be secured by rotating the post P to effect adjustment by the screw threaded engagement which the detent 22!) make in the screw threaded section |0b, as will be readily understood. V

In Figures 7 and 8, I have illustrated another which is suitable S. ofthe character embodiment of. my invention infuse with a socket; member illustratedin: 2.

In this construction, a bracket B is formed with a standard I51)". Along the length. of the standard tfib; I. provide a series of. sectional grooves Me. With. such construction, when the bracket. B" has. the. standard. ['51]. inserted in the section. 2:0..0f'the socket S, the spur formed by the detent 22 will enter the'grooves 2 to of the. stand.- ard ll5b:when inalignmenh A partial rotation of the. socket S in respect of'thepost [5b will: cause the spur of the detent22f to. rise on the high surface of the: standard I51), as shown in. Figure 8, thereby spreading the loop constituting the section 28.

In thisposition, the socket S may be slid long-itudinally of the post I157) without encounterin theiri'cti'onal resistance otherwise present due to an engagement of the spur of the detent 22 with: the grooves Me;

In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 1-4, I have illustrated an arrangement inwhich a post P, of recognized, standard type, may be used. Such a post is ordinarily made circular in cross section and provided with annular grooves 15, at spaced intervals on its stem or shank portion I00.

As in the prior embodiment, the upper end of the post P is provided with horns 16 and a seat ll, adapted to receive a luminous tube. The bracket E may be of a construction identical with the brackets described in my prior filed application and the form illustrated in Figures 1 to 8.

The section l6 may be formed with a loop I! to receive a screw l9, as already described in connection with Figure 3.

T may find it desirable to provide a screw Ila, seated within the loop 18. The fastening element may be provided with a shank having a circumferential groove 111), into which the loop 18 is seated. In this form of construction, I provide a socket member S preferably made of spring sheet metal, such as bronze or the like, defining a standard receiving loop 80, and a post receiving loop 8|, as obtained by the branches 82 and 83, leaving a split portion 84 defined by the ends 85, which are outwardly turned to form cammin-g lips 86.

The branches 82 and 83 of the section 8! are formed with detents 81, forming spurs 88. These are arranged to enter the grooves 15 on the post P, thereby serving securely to hold the socket S against longitudinal movement of the post P.

It will be understood that by this construction, adjustment of the socket S along the length of the post P is possible only by steps corresponding to the spacing of the grooves 15.

Positioning of the detents 81 at a point intermediate between grooves 15 will serve to spread the branches 82 and 83 of the socket S and thereby spread the standard engaging portion 80, facilitating slidable movement of the socket S in respect of the standard 19 of the bracket.

It will therefore be observed that the pressure of the portion 80 on the standard 19 of the bracket is to a great extent independent of any contact between the standard 19 and the shank 100 of the post P, but that the frictional engagement which the section 80 makes with the standard 19 is to some extent dependent upon the relative positions of the branches 82 and 83 to each other.

It will, therefore, be understood that the post engaging section an of the socket S may be indented to provide a spur, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and'i, whereby brackets, such as those described and illustrated in connection'with Figures I and 7, may be utilized, having complete circumferential grooves'fii or partial grooves. lie, respectively.

It will be understood that the above construction: carries out some of the advantages of the invention of my application Serial No. 337,193, as therein described, permitting the post to be made of definite size and obtaining adjustability of height between the supporting end upon which the neon sign tube rests and the. frame.

Additionally, my construction minimizes the visibility of the metallic elements serving to mount the glass or insulating elements of the combination. Furthermore, in view of the spacial location of the axial lines through the post engaging section of the socket members herein described, as compared with the axial line through the standard engaging section of the socket member in relation to each other and to the axial line through the loop of the bracket, wherein axialadjustmen-t may be made at three spaced points, I' am enabled to achieve adjustability of" high magnitude. I

It will be readily understood that this feature is highly desirable in view of the intricate contour which luminous signs may b required to assume.

It will be further understood that while in the embodiment illustrated, the most effective results are obtained by combining all of the features illustrated in the combination, it is not intended to be limited to the employment of all of the features so combined, but my invention is regarded as having broader applicability and that segregated portions thereof have novelty per se, and that the invention is to be construed in the light of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In means for mounting luminous gaseous discharge tubes on a backing by an insulating post, a bracket adapted for attachment to the backing including a standard, a socket member having standard engaging portions and post engaging portions, within which portions said standard and post, respectively may pivot, and each of said engaging portions providing pivots for said standard and post, the pivot for said standard lying outside the confines of said post.

2. In means for mounting a luminous gaseous discharge tube on a backing, a bracket adapted to be secured to said backing and having a standard, a socketmember having a standard engaging portion permitting pivotal movement of the same about said standard, said socket having a post engaging portion formed to engage said post, permitting pivotal movement of said post thereon, said socket member comprising a strip of material S-shaped in cross section, forming spaced loops respectively forming post and standard engaging portions for resiliently and frictionally holding said post and standard, permitting axial adjustment of said post and standard.

3. Means for supporting a luminous gaseous discharge tube in spaced relation to a backing, said means comprising a bracket adapted to be secured to the backing, said bracket having a rodlike portion extending outwardly from the backing when the bracket is secured thereto forming a standard and providing a bearing surface, a post provided with a seat for a luminous tube,

and with a stem portion of circular cross section and having annular grooves thereon at spaced intervals, and a split resilient sleeve having a split cylindrical socket portion adapted to receive and to frictionally grip said rod-like portion of the bracket, and the free end portions of said sleeve being adapted to embrace and frictionally grip the stem of said post, and at least one inwardly directed portion on said free end portions adapted to enter the annular grooves on said stem and hold the stern against axial movement.

4. Connecting means for mounting a luminous discharge tube upon a backing by means of an insulator post adapted to seat said tube thereon, comprising a standard, one end whereof has means to attach the same to the backing for adjustable mounting and a socket member having a standard engaging portion and a post engaging portion, said engaging portions respectively being in non-overlapping planes in respect of the axial line through the standard and post, the standard engaging portion of said socket member outlining a bearing for pivotal movement of the standard therein and of the socket member substantially about the axial line through the standard,

the post engaging portion of said socket member outlining a bearing for axial and pivotal adjustmentof the post in respect of said post engaging portion.

5. In means for mounting luminous tubes in accordance with claim 1 in which said post engaging portion of said socket member is a split resilient sleeve and in which said standard engaging por. tions thereof are spaced apart loops formed on opposite end portions of said sleeve so that when said loops are brought into alignment to receive the standard, the sleeve portion is brought into engagement with said post.

6. Connecting means in accordance with claim 4 in which said post engaging portion of said socket member comprises a split resilient sleeve in a normally distended condition and in which said standard engaging portions are spaced apart loops formed on said sleeve on the end portions thereof defining said split portion, so that when said loops are brought into alignment and the standard passed therethrough the sleeve will be brought into engagement with the post passing through said sleeve.

SAMUEL C. MILLER. 

